Talking History Presents: Violet Verses

On 29 June 2017 the History Trust held a centenary reading of First World War poetry. Carole Whitelock and Keith Conlon read from ‘Violet Verses’ 100 years on from its publication. In 1917, as the First World War continued to take its toll around the world, including on the people of South Australia, the women of the Cheer-Up Society in Adelaide organised the third annual Violet Day to raise money in support of returned troops. ‘Violet Verses’ was published that year as part of the fundraising efforts. With an introduction by Henry Lawson and poems contributed from members of the community the publication was sold for a shilling. It was released in time for Violet day on 29 June 1917, when members of the Cheer-Up Society sold posies of violets and ‘buttons’ as a fundraiser. 100 years on we relived the feelings of the day through its poetry.